Crow Control in the Pearl District – Falconry Abatement Program
Innovative Approach to Addressing the Neighborhood Crow Problem
A Solution to the “Crow Problem” from NWCC’s Executive Director, Chase McPherson
The Challenge: The Crow Crows Shall Return!
Having been part of Downtown Clean and Safe before joining NWCC, I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact that falconry-based bird abatement can have on the community. I’m now reaching beyond NWCC for support and funding to launch a similar program here in the Pearl District—to help us tackle the crow poop problem and keep our neighborhood clean.
Northrup Shelter Update: Early Operations & Community Impact
Attendance, Outreach, and Neighborhood Maintenance
Shelter Attendance & Capacity
In the first days of operation, Northrup Shelter saw an average of 10–15 guests per night. Recently, that number has grown to around 30 guests, and with favorable weather and strong engagement, we expect attendance to remain steady. The City is considering lifting the current cap of 40 guests as staffing levels increase to meet staff-to-guest ratios.
NWCC Launches Window Art Program to Support Pearl District Businesses
The Northwest Community Coalition (NWCC) is transforming challenges into opportunities in the Pearl District with a new Window Art Program. By turning boarded-up windows into colorful, community-inspired art, local businesses are able to maintain a welcoming atmosphere—even after break-ins.
Northrup Shelter Community Engagement & Services
The City of Portland’s Community Engagement Plan outlines priority services provided around all overnight shelters. In addition to those citywide services, the following specific supports are in place for Northrup Shelter.
Summer on the Streets: Outreach & Shelter News
July stats reveal how hot weather changes needs and where the new shelter stands.
A note from our Executive Director, Chase McPherson. Our July 2025 numbers for Humanitarian Outreach tell a story about how the summer heat shapes life on the streets. Last month, we handed out over 400 bottles of water, a big jump from 179 in June.
Making Connections: Introducing the Office of Small Business
NWCC and Prosper Portland Hit the Streets to Discuss Resources with Pearl District Small Businesses
This month, as part of NWCC’s advocacy work, we partnered with Prosper Portland’s new Office of Small Business for a two-hour tour, linking Pearl District businesses with valuable city resources.
Discussing Infrastructure Improvements
NWCC Advocacy: Working Together to Brighten and Improve Our Neighborhood Streets
NWCC walked with PEMO (Portland Environment Management Office), ODOT, PBOT, and PGE on July 22nd. Together, we walked under the 405 from Raleigh Street down to Johnson Street.
Heat, Hope & Community: What Summer Means for the Pearl District
Water relief, shelter updates, and how neighbors are shaping the future together!
Summer’s Here — and So Is Our Opportunity to Help
With Portland’s summer in full swing, the heat is more than just an inconvenience — it’s a real danger for many of our neighbors.
Security Alert: Assault Incident
We would like to inform our community of a concerning safety incident that occurred on Friday, July 11, at approximately 6:00 PM. A community member was randomly assaulted and punched in the face by an unknown individual, later identified as Eder Ruizhernadez, near the Metropolitan Condominiums.
We are compiling verified details to provide our members with accurate, up-to-date information.
Member Spotlight: Hyphn’s Generosity Helps NWCC Feel Like Home
A big thank-you to NWCC Member Hyphn for turning our Pearl District office into a more welcoming, functional space—for staff, volunteers, and the community we serve.
A huge thank-you to Hyphn, an NWCC member, for donating beautiful, modern furniture to our Pearl District office! Thanks to their thoughtful gift—our space is more inviting and comfortable than ever.
Stories from the Streets: An Important Step Forward
Stories from the Streets: An Important Step Forward
While walking through Portland’s Pearl District recently, NWCC Humanitarian Team member Terrance ran into someone special—Tony.
Shelter Proposals in the Pearl: What You Need to Know
Community Alert!
Dear Pearl District Neighbors,
NWCC is aware of two proposed shelters coming to our area, with one run by Blanchet House on Northwest 17th and Lovejoy, with a proposed 75-bed women-only overnight shelter.
The second proposed shelter would be on the corner of Northwest 15th and Northrup which is spearheaded by the city with 200 co-ed overnight beds. Both operations are overnight which means that they will only be open from 8 pm to 6 am (generally speaking).
Stories from the Street: Love, Loss, and the Power of Outreach
A Story of How NWCC Outreach Helped Reunite a Daughter in Crisis with Her Family
For the past few months, NWCC Humanitarian Team member Terrance has been checking in on a woman living near the Food Innovation Center. Despite frequent contact—and offers of food, water, and shelter—she consistently declined help. Her mental state was fragile, made worse by the recent loss of her beloved dog, her constant companion.
Stories from the Street: A Ride Toward Safety
With support from NWCC’s Terrance and Radio Cab, Jesse and Caitlin find shelter together.
On a warm Portland day, NWCC’s outreach made a powerful difference for Jesse and Caitlin.
Terrance, of NWCC’s Humanitarian Team, met the couple during a street outreach visit, offering water, clean clothing, and—most importantly—a pathway to shelter.
Stories from the Street: NWCC Connects Pearl Neighbors to Shelter and Support
In the heart of a rainy Portland day, NWCC outreach helps connect Pearl District neighbors to shelter and support.
During a recent NWCC outreach visit, Humanitarian Team member Terrance connected with Tom, a 60-year-old neighbor living in a carefully constructed tent near the freeway. His shelter—secured with a blue tarp and a wheelchair chained outside—was a symbol of both hardship and resilience.
Empowering Safer Streets: Inside the Community Safety Training with PPB
Crisis response, de-escalation, and community readiness come together in new quarterly trainings.
NWCC’s Executive Director, Chase McPherson, and Terrance Dodson of the Humanitarian Team attended a Community Safety Training session hosted by the Portland Police Bureau’s Behavioral Health Unit. This valuable session covered essential topics, including crisis intervention strategies, situational awareness, de-escalation principles, and how to effectively interact with emergency services.
A Walk Through the Pearl with Councilor Mitch Green
Discussing Creative Solutions for Retail Vacancy and Stronger City Support.
Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting with Councilor Mitch Green, one of the newly elected representatives for Portland’s District 4, as part of NWCC’s ongoing outreach to city leaders. We discussed neighborhood issues and then took a walk on a sunny day to highlight the unique problems in the Pearl.
NWCC Advocacy: Bottle Bill Reform Update
NWCC Advocacy: Progress is Being Made with Senate Bill 992
As an advocate for reforming Oregon’s Bottle Bill to stop cash payments from being used to fuel drug selling and use in Oregon (remember, this was supposed to be an environmental law!), there is progress being made. Thanks to State Senator Janeen Sollman and the Oregon Grocers’ Association (with whom I have been working), SB 992 has passed the House and Senate by impressive margins and now sits in the Governor’s office for signature.
Joining Forces for Public Safety
Joining Forces for Public Safety: A Community Roundtable Hosted by NWCC
"When we come together—officers, advocates, and neighbors—we create space for real solutions." — NWCC
Partnering for Progress in the Pearl District
NWCC’s executive director and Councilor Zimmerman reconnect to advance advocacy in the Pearl.
Last week, I had the chance to walk the Pearl District with District 4 Councilor Eric Zimmerman—and it felt like both a reunion and a fresh start.